Going for a walk, a run, or a bike ride is one of the few things you’re allowed to do outside with the current restrictions (which will still certainly remain in place until the end of April, according to government announcements). And, doing some exercise in the sunshine certainly helps you from losing your mind during this home isolation period, right?
As you may have noticed recently, this has seen people zig-zagging and walking 2-meter diameter circles around each other on the street – pedestrian paths have never been so crowded, it seems. Plus, the inner city parks are also increasingly packed with people stretching their legs and doing their workout routine. That’s why we thought you might appreciate a list of less-crowded green spaces. Especially if you’re looking to change up your neighbourhood walk a bit.
Thanks to the size, and the fact that some of these green spaces are on the outlying areas of the city, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself at the following parks and forest trails, or at least enough space to keep that social distancing game strong:
1. Schönbrunn Schlosspark
Where: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130
With the city emptied of tourists, you can experience the Schönbrunn palace park like you’ve never experienced it before – uncrowded. Ok, so near the palace and the hill on which the Gloriette is perched, you’ll find many people catching some rays of sun, however, the palace gardens are huge, so you can easily enjoy a walk, or run, without having to avoid too many people.
2. Schwarzenberg Park
Where: Neuwaldegger Str., 1170
It may take a while to reach this one if you’re traveling on public transport, however, it’s well worth the trip. This sweeping green area is full of forests and meadows with well-kept paths weaving in and out of it all. To really indulge in some alone time, be sure to stray from the main paths and take one of the many trails leading into the forested areas.
3. Türkenschanz Park
Where: Hasenauerstraße Türkenschanzpark, 1180
This is another park with plenty of room for everybody, and plenty of blooming flowers that will fill your nostrils with delightful smells…and perhaps have you sneezing so often that people will think you have Covid-19, so will stay away form you, anyway.
4. Wienerwald (The Viennese Woods)
Never have we been so grateful that Vienna is surrounded by forests than during this period of pandemic-provoked shutdown. The Viennese Woods have been a green space of refuge for many since the shutdown began and we’d highly recommend it as a place to get some walking, or running, in. There are many trails for you to choose from. Check out the Stadtwien website for the full list of paths weaving throughout the forests.
5. Steinhofgründe
Address: Baumgartner Höhe, 1140
The Steinhofgründe is a sprawling collection of meadows sitting above the city and it’s a serene place to escape for a while. This park is huge. So huge, that we’ve even seen deer just chilling in amongst the trees, without a care in the world. Go to Steinhofgründe and do like the deers do.
6. Wienerberg
Where: Wiener Berg, 1100
This rather centrally-located nature reserve is an ideal spot to get in a good run, or to have a peaceful walk. You can even include a break in your route during which you stop by the lake that sits in the middle of the reserve, and stare at it, pondering the pressing questions that this pandemic has inspired, like – why didn’t I invest in that toilet paper company? Or, is it wrong that I’m laughing until I snort a little at the COVID-19 memes being published throughout this time?
7. Belvedere & the botanical gardens
So, the palace gardens surrounding the Belvedere palace aren’t so big, however, when you combine them with the neighbouring botanical gardens, than you’ve got some serious green space where to stretch your legs, or get in a good run. It’s a good centrally-located option if you don’t have the time to head out to the other green spots in the list. Ok, who are we kidding – all of us have plenty of time at the moment, right?
Anyway, the botanical gardens and the Belvedere gardens are a beautiful spot to gather your thoughts while excercising.
8. Donauinsel
Where: Donauinsel, 1220
The beloved human-made island, snaking its way along the Danube in Vienna, is a great option if you’re looking for space amidst the green. No cars, no nearby streets to ruin your nature soundtrack while you walk, or run – it will be just you and a bunch of other random strangers getting some exercise.
9. Donaupark
Where: Wallenberggasse, Am Donaupark, 1220
This massive park is often forgotten, like many things over in ‘Transdanubia’, however, it’s a stunning green area to act as the backdrop to your exercise routine. There are plenty of flower beds to cover the sweaty stink you let off during your run, and vast meadows to roll around in, if you’re so inclined.
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